This is situated on Level 1, along the corridor
leading to the Rosie Ultrasound Department.
Specialist midwife sonographers (who perform ultrasound
examinations) offer tests to women with a gestation of >26
weeks pregnancy.
Referrals to the MFAU:
Women are referred to the MFAU by their consultant
or registrar, if careful monitoring of their baby is necessary.
A full list for referral to the MFAU is available from the Unit.
In brief, this Unit is for women with any of the following conditions:
-
A fetus that is small for its gestational age;
-
An abnormal liquor volume (the amount of fluid
around the baby is either too much or not enough);
-
A prolonged pregnancy (greater than 42 weeks,
based on ultrasound dates);
-
Gestational or chronic high blood pressure;
-
Poor obstetric history;
-
Rhesus immunisation;
-
Medical conditions that are likely to affect fetal
well-being;
-
Insulin-dependent diabetes;
-
A proven preterm premature rupture of membranes;
-
External cephalic version for breech ('turning'
the baby into the head-down position).
In the MFAU, the following investigations are
performed on an outpatient basis:
-
Fetal growth scan, which determines the rate of growth of the
baby and whether the estimated weight of the baby is as expected
for the gestational age;
-
The amniotic fluid index; this assesses the amount of fluid
around the baby, which gives an indication of the health of
the baby in pregnancy;
-
Umbilical artery dopplers, which indicate the efficiency of
the blood supply from the baby to the placenta;
-
Computerised cardiotocograph (heart-beat trace), which gives
an indication of fetal well-being;
-
Routine blood pressure and urinalysis, which will give an indication
of the well-being of mothers;
-
Blood tests
Referral for reduced fetal movements may be made by
a GP, midwife, or the woman herself. If all the results are normal,
the woman will continue her care with the community midwife and
her GP based in the community.
If the results are abnormal, the woman will be referred
to a doctor and further treatment will be discussed.
Further referrals are made to the MFAU via GPs, community midwives
or by the woman herself, if she is experiencing problems in her
pregnancy.
This Obstetric assessment area accepts women from greater than
12 weeks of pregnancy. Midwives assess women who have problems such
as abdominal pain, bleeding, high-blood pressure etc (a list is
available). If necessary they are referred to the medical team.
There is no appointment time given for this visit, therefore, there
might be a waiting time.
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